Standout
01
Thank them first.
Step one is gratitude. Thank them for the offer. Add one real reason you are excited about joining the team.
Free AI generator · Copy or PDF · No signup
Counter Offer Letter Generator for Salary Negotiation
Enter the role, the offer on the table, and the number you're after. Get a polished counter-offer email — subject line included — that thanks them, makes the ask clearly, and stays collaborative. Confident, never an ultimatum.
Used by candidates from
Stanford·UCLA·Penn State
What a counter offer letter needs to do.
A counter offer letter is a short salary negotiation note. It thanks the employer and asks for better pay. It also protects the relationship.
Tone changes everything. A fair ask can sound greedy if it feels cold. A calm note can help you earn a higher salary.
This free counter offer letter generator turns your inputs into a clean draft. It uses the role, current offer, target number, and reason. The result is a clear email with a subject line.
The draft anchors your ask with respect. It references the current offer without sounding unhappy. It closes by showing you want the deal to work.
The tool will not write an ultimatum. It will not invent a competing offer. It will not make up market data you did not give it.
How to counter a job offer in four steps.
Salary negotiation is mostly framing. You need a simple structure. The generator uses this structure by default.
02
Make the ask specific.
Name a specific base salary or a tight range. "I would be excited to join at $165,000" is stronger than "Is there flexibility?"
03
Give one honest reason.
Mention market rate, years of experience, a larger role, or a competing offer. Use only reasons that are true.
Step four is the close. Say you are open to discussing the number, and offer a quick phone call if that would help. Then stop. Do not add threats, and do not set deadlines unless you truly need one.
What to say — and what to avoid.
| Do this | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Say thank you first. | Goodwill costs nothing. It makes the recruiter more likely to help. |
| Be specific about the number. | A clear figure is easy to share with a hiring manager. A vague question is easier to ignore. |
| Avoid apology words like "just" and "sorry." | Avoid long explanations and listing every reason you can think of — extra detail dilutes the ask. |
| Do not bluff. | A fake competing offer can backfire fast. Honesty keeps your leverage real. |
Negotiation timing.
Wait for the written offer before negotiating your salary. You need the full compensation package first.
Review the base salary, bonus, equity, benefits package, and start date. These details help you compare the offer. They also help you state your case clearly.
01
Wait for the written offer.
Negotiate once you have the full package in writing — base, bonus, equity, benefits, and start date — not on a verbal "ballpark."
02
Take a day, not a week.
Thank them quickly and ask for time to review. Then send your counter within a few business days.
03
Counter once, clearly.
Put your ask in one clean negotiate email. Endless back-and-forth can wear down goodwill.
How much to counter.
A common counter is about 5% to 15% above the first offer. Your research and leverage decide the number. Strong demand and rare skills support a higher ask.
Use real data when you can. Look at market ranges for the role, city, and level. Then anchor your number to that range.
Keep the number believable. A wild ask can stall the talk. A grounded ask keeps the conversation moving.
If the offer feels like a lowball offer, stay calm. Ask for the number you need. Explain why it fits the role and your experience.
Counter offer letter example.
A counter offer letter has a simple structure: a subject line, a grateful opening, the ask, one honest reason, and a collaborative close.
- Subject line: Re: [Role] offer — quick question on compensation.
- Opening: Thank them for the offer and confirm your interest in the role.
- The ask: State your target number or range. Tie it to the current offer.
- The reason: Give one honest reason — market data, years of experience, or expanded scope.
- The close: Say you are confident you can reach a number that works for both sides. Offer a quick call if helpful.
Here is a simple counter offer letter example you can adapt:
Subject: Re: Product Manager offer — compensation question
Dear hiring manager,
Thank you again for the offer. I am excited about the role and the chance to join the team.
After reviewing the compensation package, I wanted to discuss the base salary. Based on the scope of the role and my years of experience, I would be excited to accept the offer at $165,000.
I am very interested in the position. I am also open to discussing the full package if that helps us find the right fit.
Thank you again for the offer. I look forward to your thoughts.
Best,
[Your Name]
Common counter offer mistakes.
A few avoidable mistakes cost candidates leverage. Steer clear of these.
Do not negotiate before the written offer. A verbal "ballpark" can change. Wait for the full package in writing.
Do not counter with no number. "Is there flexibility?" puts the work on them. Your own figure moves the talk forward.
Do not over-explain. One honest reason is stronger than five weak ones. Extra detail can dilute your ask.
Do not use threats. An ultimatum can end the offer. Stay calm, specific, and collaborative.
Counter offer letter — FAQ.
Is this counter offer letter generator free?
Yes. You can generate and copy counter offer emails with no account and no credit card.
How do I counter a job offer politely?
Thank them, reaffirm your interest, then state your number. Give one honest reason and stay collaborative.
How much should I counter a salary offer?
A common range is 5% to 15% above the first offer. It depends on your research and leverage.
Will it invent a competing offer for me?
No. It uses only the numbers and reason you provide.
Should I counter by email or phone?
Email is usually best. It gives the recruiter something concrete to share. A phone call can help after the email.
Can I use this with other email templates?
Yes. Use it as your salary closer after you receive a written offer.
When should I send a counter offer?
Send it after you have the full written offer. Reply within a few business days while interest is high.
Does this generator store my data?
No. Your inputs are used only to write the letter. Nothing is saved, and no signup is required.
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